Revision Notes for JEE Chemistry: Polymers
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Review Polymers for JEE Chemistry
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Basic Terms and Classification
A polymer is a very large molecule built by joining many small repeating units, the monomers. The process is polymerisation, and the number of repeat units is the degree of polymerisation. A copolymer is made from two or more different monomers.
| Basis | Classes |
|---|---|
| Source | Natural (cellulose, proteins, natural rubber), semi-synthetic (cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, vulcanised rubber) and synthetic (nylon, PVC, bakelite) |
| Structure | Linear (HDPE, PVC), branched (LDPE, amylopectin) and cross-linked or network (bakelite, melamine) |
| Mode of polymerisation | Addition (chain growth) and condensation (step growth) |
| Intermolecular forces | Elastomers (weakest forces: natural rubber, neoprene, Buna-S), fibres (strongest forces, hydrogen bonds: nylon, terylene), thermoplastics (intermediate: polythene, PVC, polystyrene) and thermosetting (cross-linked and infusible: bakelite, melamine) |
Addition Polymers
These form from monomers with a double bond, with no loss of small molecules. The reaction goes through free-radical, cationic or anionic chain steps. A free-radical initiator such as a peroxide is used for many of them.
| Polymer | Monomer | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Polythene (LDPE, HDPE) | Ethene | Packaging, pipes, bottles |
| Polypropene | Propene | Ropes, crates |
| Polystyrene | Styrene (phenylethene) | Insulation, toys |
| PVC | Vinyl chloride | Pipes, cable insulation |
| Teflon | Tetrafluoroethene | Non-stick coating, gaskets |
| Orlon (polyacrylonitrile) | Acrylonitrile | Synthetic wool |
| Natural rubber | Isoprene (2-methylbuta-1,3-diene), all cis | Tyres after vulcanisation |
| Neoprene | Chloroprene (2-chlorobuta-1,3-diene) | Oil-resistant hoses, gaskets |
| Buna-S (copolymer) | Buta-1,3-diene and styrene | Tyres |
| Buna-N (copolymer) | Buta-1,3-diene and acrylonitrile | Oil seals |
Condensation Polymers
These form from monomers with two or more functional groups, with loss of small molecules such as water.
| Polymer | Monomers | Link | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon-66 | Hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid | Amide | Fibres, bristles |
| Nylon-6 | Caprolactam (heated with water) | Amide | Tyre cords, ropes |
| Terylene (Dacron) | Ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid | Ester | Fabrics, sails |
| Bakelite | Phenol and formaldehyde | Methylene bridges | Switches, combs |
| Melamine resin | Melamine and formaldehyde | Methylene bridges | Unbreakable crockery |
| Glyptal | Ethylene glycol and phthalic acid | Ester | Paints, lacquers |
1. Novolac is a linear, fusible phenol-formaldehyde polymer made in acid with less formaldehyde. Heating with more formaldehyde cross-links it into bakelite.
2. In nylon-66 the numbers say that both the diamine and the acid have six carbon atoms. Nylon 2-nylon 6 is a copolymer of glycine (2 carbons) and 6-aminohexanoic acid (6 carbons), and it is biodegradable.
Rubber
1. Natural rubber is a linear 1,4-polymer of isoprene with all cis double bonds. The coiled chains with weak forces make it stretchy but soft and sticky.
2. Vulcanisation: heating rubber with sulphur (3 to 5 percent) makes sulphur bridges between chains, so it becomes harder, stronger and less sticky and still elastic.
3. Gutta-percha is the all-trans form of polyisoprene and is not elastic.
Biodegradable Polymers
Biodegradable polymers contain groups that micro-organisms and enzymes can break down, so they avoid the waste problem of polythene. Examples: PHBV (copolymer of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid, used in packaging and surgical items) and nylon 2-nylon 6.
Free study material for Chemistry
Polymers Concepts and Summary for JEE Chemistry
Quick Revision Notes: Polymers (JEE)
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FAQs
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